Uncaptured mercury lost to the environment from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in scrap metal and municipal wastes

Mercury is a persistent toxic substance and once in the environment it can be transformed by bacteria into methylmercury which bioaccumulates food chains. Prevention of mercury releases are key to protecting human health. Alternatives products now available further phase-outs underway as Minamata Convention progresses toward its aims. In European Union, priority for safe removal from WEEE collected treated. Despite phase outs, items will continue necessitate depollution many years come. Capture mercury-added product waste their replacement at source protects health, circular economy terms job creation critical raw materials recovery. This paper presents an analysis mercury-containing observed scrap metal sites kerbside collection Ireland, these did not undergo so contained within lost environment. Mercury-added found included desktop PCs, laptops, screens, LCD, LED plasma screens monitors, assorted fluorescent special lamps. It estimated that minimum 17.89 kgs was released 2018 due inappropriate management demolition, renovation, home maintenance activities. Whilst impact Restriction Hazardous Substances Directive reducing content undoubtably positive, emissions historic WEEE, professional batteries fully understood. The loss gas discharge lamp handling municipal wastes. Protecting local environments exposure ensuring recovery should prioritised. findings this research highlight urgent need develop indicators stocks flows optimise hazardous support economy. Improved material flow with respect necessary more accurate estimates national inventories, thereby aiding global efforts eliminate anthropogenic especially secondary release sources.